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College  of  ^fjpstctang  ano  burgeons! 


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t-Mt      ,V/ '  V.  \  *^    > 


OF  A  COMMITTEE 


4>F    THE 


2USGEHTTS  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY, 


APPOINTED  TO  VISIT  THE  COLLEGE  OF 


zpsnrsa®a&HS  &mw  swib<»3b®ek 


IN  THE  CITY  OF  NEW-YORK. 


MADE  TO  THE  REGENTS, 
JANUARY  12, 1826. 


ALBANY: 

PRINTED  BY  CROSWELL,  BARNUM  &  VAN  BENTHUYSEN. 

mm* 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Regents  of  the  University,  held  pursuant  to 
adjournment,  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  April  5th,  1825, 

It  was  Resolved, 

That  lieutenant-governor  Tallmadge,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer, 
and  Mr.  Marcy  be  a  committee  to  visit  the  college  of  physicians  and 
surgeons  in  the  city  of  New- York  ;  to  the  end  that  the  matters  in 
controversy  between  the  trustees  and  professors  thereof,  and  the 
affairs  of  said  college  generally,  may  be  more  fully  investigated, 
and  that  the  said  committee  report  thereon  to  the  Regents  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

It  was  thereupon  ordered  that  the  several  reports  made  at  the 
present  and  former  meetings  of  the  board  by  the  committee  of 
which  Mr.  Troup  is  chairman,  together  with  all  communications, 
documents  and  papers  relative  to  said  college,  received  during  the 
present  session  of  the  Regents,  be  referred  to  the  said  visiting  com- 
mittee. 

A  true  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Regents. 

G.  HAWLEY, 

Secretary. 


The  committee  appointed  under  the  preceding  ordinance  of  the' 

Regents  of  the  University,  dated  April  5th,  1825,  respectfully 
REPORT,— 

That  in  pursuance  of  their  appointment  to  visit  "  the  college  of 
physicians  and  surgeons  in  the  city  of  New- York,"  the  committee 
repaired  to  the  city,  and  requested  the  president  to  convene  the 
professors  and  trustees  at  the  college,  to  meet  with  the  committee. 
The  request  was  promptly  and  ohligingly  complied  with  by  the 
president ;  and  the  professors  and  trustees  attended  as  promptly, 
and  with  punctuality  at  the  appointed  time  and  place.  The  first 
meeting  of  the  committee  with  the  professors  and  trustees  was  on 
the  30th  of  June,  1825,  when  the  business  of  the  investigation  into 
the  condition  and  concerns  of  the  college  of  physicians  and  sur- 
geons, was  commenced  and  continued  diligently  from  day  to  day 
until  the  7th  of  July  inclusive. 

It  is  with  pleasure  the  committee  can  here  remark,  that  during 
the  whole  time  of  their  tedious  inquiry,  the  professors  and  trus- 
tees attended  with  your  committee  with  great  punctuality  ;  and 
laying  aside  their  other  pursuits,  devoted  their  time  and  attention 
to  the  concerns  of  the  college,  with  commendable  assiduity,  and 
afforded  to  the  committee,  with  candor  and  frankness,  every  assis- 
tance and  information  in  their  power  to  communicate,  tending  to 
facilitate  the  business  of  the  inquiry,  and  elicit  the  truth  on  the  va- 
rious subjects  under  consideration.  It  is  due  to  the  professors  and 
trustees  to  say,  that  however  much  they  differed  from  each  other 
in  the  arguments  urged,  or  in  the  conclusions  drawn  from  the  facts 
enquired  after,  yet  in  the  whole  course  of  the  business,  the  con- 
duct of  each,  was  characterised  by  an  openness  of  communication 
and  integrity  of  manner,  which  gave  assurance  of  the  fairness  of 
the  motives  of  each  ;  and  that  the  conclusions,  maintained  ofteH 
times  with  vehement  warmth,  were  urged  from  a  conscientious 
belief  in  their  correctness,  and  that  they  were  essential  to  the 
welfare  and  advancement  of  the  college,  so  liberally  endowed, 
and  so  justly  the  object  of  great  public  solicitude. 

But  while  the  committee  subscribe  to  the  correct  intentions  and 
well  intended  endeavours,  of  both  professors  and  trustees,  to  ad- 
vance the  best  interests  of  the  college,  it  must  be  confessed,  that  in 
the  various  communications  and  charges  made  this  last  winter  to 
the  Regents,  and  to  the  commmittee  in  the  progress  of  their  inqui- 


6 

lies,  many  indications  have  been  given  of  the  existence  of  person- 
al asperities  and  deep  rooted  differences  of  opinion,  which  call 
For  the  watchful  interposition  of  the  Regents,  and  seem  toYequire 
some  modification  of  the  ordinances  and  laws  for  the  government 
ofthe  college. 

"  The  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,"  has  partaken  largely  in  the  liberal  bounties  of  this  state  to 
its  literary  institutions.  The  importance  of  medical  science  to  the 
public  health  and  to  the  lives  of  our  citizens,  has  been  duly  appre  - 
ciated.  This  college  has  been  one  ofthe  favourite  institutions  of 
the  state,  and  may  become  one  of  its  proudest  ornaments.  The 
known  talents  and  celebrity  in  medical  science,  of  its  professors, 
has  within  a  few  years  reared  this  infant  institution,  and  while  it 
has  become  the  just  pride  of  the  city  in  which  it  is  founded,  it  has 
been  enabled  to  hold  an  eminence  in  science  at  least  equal  to  sim- 
ilar institutions  established  in  neighbouring  cities.  Amongst  the 
trustees  of  this  college  are  found  many  individuals  possessing  great 
acquirements,  and  who  are  rapidly  ascending  the  mount  of  fame. 
Practitioners  in  medicine,  whose  reputation  so  much  depends  on 
mere  opinion,  and  who  have  no  certain  means  whereby  to  test 
their  relative  merits,  often  imbibe  too  much  sensitiveness,  and  en- 
counter the  conflicting  opinions  of  others  with  an  irritability  which 
gives  colour  to  their  proceedings,  and  even  influences  their  judg- 
ments. Perhaps  in  this  rivalry  in  medical  science,  may  be  traced 
some  of  those  latent  causes  from  which  may  have  proceeded  those 
contentions  and  feuds,  which  have  hitherto  attended  the  progress 
of  this  college,  and  which  but  too  evidently  yet  exist  between  pro- 
fessors and  trustees. 

In  order  the  better  to  understand  the  enquiry  pursued,  and  the 
conclusions  to  which  the  committee  have  arrived,  in  this  business, 
it  seems  necessary  in  their  opinion  to  take  a  short  retrospect  of 
the  origin  and  progress  ofthe  "  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons 
in  the  city  of  New-York,"  and  from  a  knowledge  of  its  past  diffi- 
culties, to  endeavor  to  prescribe  beneficial  regulations  for  its  future 
government. 

1791,  January  13th,  Doctor  Nicholas  Romeyn  presented  a  me- 
morial to  the  Regents,  representing  that  he  had  established  a  medi- 
cal school  in  the  city  of  New-York,  and  requested  the  Regents  to 
take  the  institution  under  their  protection. 

On  the  28th  of  January,  a  report  was  made  by  a  committee  of 


the  Regents,  in  favour  of  the  memorial,  and  the  Regents  thereupon 
appointed  a  committee  of  their  body  to  visit  the  institution. 

On  the  23d  February,  in  the  same  year,  Sir  James  Jay,  Knight, 
Nicholas  Romeyn  and  others,  presented  a  petition  to  the  Regents, 
praying  to  be  incorporated  as  a  college  of  physicians. 

A  counter  memorial  or  remonstrance,  was  at  the  same  time  pre- 
sented, signed  by  John  Bard,  President,  and  James  Tillary,  Secre- 
tary, of  the  medical  society  of  New- York,  in  behalf  of  said  society. 

On  the  3rd  of  March,  1791,  the  Regents  approved  of  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  medical  college,  as  applied  for;  but  having  doubts  o 
their  power,  resolved  to  apply  to  the  legislature  for  further  an 
thority. 

1791,  March  24th,  the  legislature  having  passed  an  act,  empow- 
ering the  Regents  to  establish  a  college  of  physicians  and  surgeor 
in  this  state,  the  Regents  thereupon  determined  to  establish  one, 
and  directed  a  charter  to  be  drawn. 

1792,  February  8th,  the  trustees  of  Columbia  college  made  a 
representation  to  the  Regents  respecting  a  medical  school,  and  the 
Regents  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  them  on  the  subject. 

February  15th,  this  committee  of  the  Regents,  appointed  as 
above,  reported — That  they  had  conferred  with  a  committee  of  the 
trustees  of  Columbia  college,  and  had  learned  from  them  that  they 
were  actually  engaged  in  establishing  a  medical  department  in  their 
college,  agreeably  to  their  charter,  and  that  they  requested  the 
Regents  to  suspend  any  further  proceedings  in  the  matter,  until 
they  should  see  the  success  of  the  institution  projected  by  the  said 
trustees  of  Columbia  college. 

This  request  seems  to  have  been  acceded  to  by  the  Regents, 
and  the  subject  remained  under  the  experiment  of  the  trustees  of 
Columbia  College. 

1807,  March  3d,  a  memorial  was  presented  by  the  medical  socie- 
ty of  the  county  of  New- York,  praying  for  the  incorporation,  by  the 
Regents  of  a  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons. 

The  Regents  assented  to  the  memorial,  and  directed  a  charter  to 
be  prepared  accordingly. 

1807,  March  12th,  the  Regents  granted  a  charter  of  incorpora^ 
tion  to  the  medical  society  of  New-York,  as  a  college  of  physicians 
and  surgeons,  in  which  all  the  members  of  said  society,  and  all  the 
physicions  authorised  to  practice  in  said  city,  are  declared  to  be  trus- 
tees, or  members  of  the  saidcollege,  and  are  duly  incorporated  as  such. 

This  charter  contained  a  full  reservation  to  the  Regents,  of  right 


8 

fo  oUter  or  amend  the  charter  in  every  respect,  and  to  remove  the  trus' 
tees,  or  any  of  them. 

The  Regents  retained  the  appointment  of  the  professors,  and  the 
trustees  had  the  appointment  of  their  own  president  and  other  offi- 
cers. 

1807,  April  3d,  the  Regents  appointed  the  professors  for  the 
college  of  physicians  and  surgeons,  and  the  college  was  fully  or- 
ganized. The  trustees  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  one  practition- 
ers in  medicine. 

1808,  March  3d,  the  Regents,  upon  sufficient  causes,  and  on  the  ap- 
plication of  the  trustees,  amended  the  charter  of  the  college,  so  as 
to  vest  the  appointment  of  the  president  and  other  officers  in  the 
Regents,  instead  of  the  trustees. 

From  this  time  until  March,  1811,  several  interchanges  of  pro- 
fessorships took  place  among  the  professors — some  alterations  and 
regulations  of  minor  importance  were  made  by  the  Regents — and 
much  dissatisfaction  and  recrimination  among  the  professors  and 
trustees. 

1811,  March  1st  and  25th,  Five  several  communications  were 
made  to  the  Regents,  by  different  sects,  or  parties  in  the  college. — 
They  were  all  referred  to  a  committee. 

1811,  April  1st,  the  last  mentioned  committee  reported,  "that 
unfortunate  misunderstandings  have  taken  place  between  the  seve- 
ral professors  of  that  institution,  which  have  already  materially 
impeded  its  operations,"  &c.  &c.  "  The  committee  forbear  to 
trace  and  bring  to  light  the  conduct  of  individuals,  because  they 
think  it  useless  and  invidious,"  &c.  &c. 

"  The  committee  state  that  propositions  have  been  made  to  re- 
model the  institution  with  a  view  of  rendering  its  operations  more 
simple,  and  of  introducing  into  it  several  of  the  professors  of  the 
medical  school  in  Columbia  college,  and  other  eminent  and  distin- 
guished individuals.  This  proposition  has  been  viewed  by  the 
committee  in  the  most  favourable  light,  as  it  may  extinguish  the 
feuds  existing  among  the  present  professors  of  the  college  of  phy- 
sicians and  surgeons,  and  as  it  will  in  all  probability  be  the  means 
of  uniting  the  two  schools.  The  latter  appears  to  be  an  object  of 
the  first  importance,  in  as  much  as  it  will  assemble  in  one  institu- 
tion a  splended  collection  of  medical  and  surgical  talent,  and  as  it 
cannot  fail  to  merit  and  receive  the  patronage  and  encouragement 
of  the  legislature." 


The  committee  then  proposed  an  amendment  of  the  charter,  and 
a  new  list  of  officers  and  professors,  which  the  Regents  adopted. — 
One  of  the  amendments  revoked  the  former  number  of  trustees, 
and  limited  the  number  to  twenty-five. 

1812,  June  4th,  the  Regents  adopted  an  entire  new  charter  for 
"  The  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons  in  New-York,"  consoli 
dating  into  one,  all  former  grants,  and  making  such  alterations  as  to 
tJaem  appeared  expedient. 

This  charter  does  not  contain  any  reservation  to  the  Regents,  of  the 
right  to  alter  or  amend  its  provisions,  or  to  remove  trustees,  as  was 
contained  and  reserved  in  the  first  charter,  granted  to  the  college 
on  the  12th  of  March,  1807.  Yet  it  may  well  be  questioned, 
whether  this  consolidation  of  all  former  grants  with  new  provisions 
into  one  entire  charter,  may  not  be  considered  in  the  ligbt  and  na- 
ture of  "  alterations  and  amendments^  to  the  first  charter,  and  as 
such,  to  be  taken  and  held  subject  to  the  reservations  and  rights 
retained  to  the  Regents  in  the  original  charter. 

In  the  8th  and  29th  sections  of"  the  act  relative  to  the  univer- 
sity," passed  April  5th,  1813,  and  found  in  2nd  vol.  laws,  page 
262,  this  last  charter  is  confirmed  to  the  college  with  certain 
limitations  and  reservations,  and  among  others,  that  the  Regents  re- 
serve the  right  of  conferring  degrees,  of  appointing  professors  and 
teachers  of  the  several  branches  of  medical  science  in  the  said 
college,  and  of  filling  all  such  vacancies  as  may  arise  among  the 
trustees  ;  and  further  declaring,  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for 
the  Regents,  at  any  time  or  times,  to  alter  and  amend  the  said 
charter,  provided  such  alterations  or  amendments  are  not  repug- 
nant to  the  constitution  or  laws  of  this  state,  or  inconsistent  with 
vested  rights. 

1814,  March  7th,  the  committee  of  the  Regents,  to  whom  the 
annual  report  of  the  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons  was  refer- 
red, reported,  that  a  complete  union  had  taken  place  between  the 
medical  department  of  Columbia  college  and  the  college  of  phy- 
sicians and  surgeons,  and  that  the  trustees  of  Columbia  college 
had  abolished  the  faculty  of  medicine  in  their  institution. 

The  committee  recommended  tb.2  necessary  appointments,  &c.  to 
carry  the  said  union  into  complete  operation.  The  Regents 
thereupon,  (with  the  consent  of  the  trustees  of  the  college  of  phy- 
sicians and  surgeons,)  organized  anew  the  college,  by  a  new  dis- 
tribution of  professorships,  kc,  and  a  new  appointment  of  pro- 


10 

fessors,  kc.  They  also  adopted  the  by-laws  of  the  college  as 
submitted  by  the  trustees. 

By  this  arrangement  the  medical  professors  in  Columbia  col- 
lege were  transferred  to  the  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons. 

The  college  continued  to  progress  under  this  state  of  arrange- 
ments from  this  time  until  1819,  subject  however  to  many  ex- 
pressions of  dissatisfaction,  and  various  new  suggestions  for  its 
better  organization. 

1819,"  February  10th,  the  state  medical  society  represented  to 
the  Regents,  that  in  their  opinion  the  price  of  medical  education  in 
the  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons  in  the  city  of  New-York, 
wastoogreat,  &.c.  Against  this  representation,  it  was  urged,  that  any 
material  reduction  in  the  price  of  tuition,  would  deprive  the  pro- 
fessors of  the  just  reward  of  their  talents,  and  in  its  tendency,  drive 
them  from  their  professorships,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  college. 

The  Regents  made  no  ordinance  on  this  subject. 

1820,  February  2nd,  the  medical  society  of  the  county  of  New- 
York  prefered  sundry  charges  against  the  college  of  physicians  and 
surgeons,  and  prayed  an  investigation. 

The  state  medical  society  did  the  same,  and  also  required  an 
investigation. 

The  nature  and  the  number  of  these  charges,  proceeding  from 
sources  so  respectable,  assumed  such  a  formidable  aspect,  as  to 
command  the  attention  of  the  Regents,  and  engrossed  much  of  their 
time  during  their  sessions.  The  complaints  were  referred  to  a 
committee  of  the  Ptegents  to  investigate. 

The  committee  in  their  report  (March  22d,  1820)  state,  "  that 
collisions  exist  between  the  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons'* 
and  "the  New-York,"  and  also  "  the  state  medical  society,"  &c, 
They  proposed  various  remedies  and  alterations,  which  were 
adopted  by  the  Regents. 

The  Regents  adopted  several  ordinances,  altering  the  charter, 
being  another  new  organization  of  the  college,  &c.  &c. 

Notwithstanding  the  various  and  untiring  efforts  of  the  Regents 
to  perfect  the  government  of  the  college  of  physicians  and  sur- 
geons, so  as  to  secure  to  it  harmony  and  that  public  reputation  to 
which  it  seemed  so  eminently  entitled,  and  which  was  so  necessary 
to  enable  it  to  confer  upon  the  state  those  important  public  benefits 
which  it  had  just  reason  to  anticipate  ;  yet,  although  the  college  in- 
creased in  reputation  and  in  the  number  of  its  students  in  medicine, 
new  difficulties   were  found  to  exist,  and  new  complaints  were 


11 

pressed  upon  the  consideration  of  the  Regents.  These  complaints. 
or  rather  "  representations  and  suggestions  for  the  better  regulation 
and  advancement  of  the  concerns  of  the  college,''''  as  they  were  termed 
by  the  trustees  from  whom  they  proceeded,  at  length  assumed 
such  complexion  of  differences  in  sentiment  between  the  professors 
and  the  trustees,  as  finally  led  to  the  appointment  of  your  present 
committee  (April  5th,  1825)  to  visit  the  college,  and  enquire  into 
its  general  condition  and  concerns. 

With  such  a  pre-existing  state  of  facts  in  view,  connected  with 
the  various  organizations  which  the  college  had  undergone,  and 
with  such  a  preface  of  circumstances,  which  had  occurred  in  the 
government  and  regulations  of  the  institution,  ail  exhibited  before 
your  committee,  they  commenced  their  visitatorial  inquiry  on  the 
30th  of  June,  1825. 

The  business  was  opened  on  the  part  of  the  trustees  by  one  of 
its  members,  with  a  general  explanation  and  statement  of  very 
many  existing  evils,  and  suggestions  for  many  new  regulations,  all 
of  which  were  urged  to  be  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  college. 

The  committee  then  interfered,  and  determined  they  could  not 
in  this  manner,  admit  discussions  on  matters  and  things  in  general, 
appertaining  to  the  college.  That  such  a  course  irritated  feelings, 
and  tended  to  no  conclusion.  That  the  object  of  the  committee  was 
to  invite  enquiry  and  accusation,  and  not  to  shut  out  discussion,  but 
that  the  business  might  have  shape  and  certainty,  it  was  necessary 
to  specify  some  item  of  complaint,  and  then  produce  the  proof  in 
support  of  the  charges,  after  which,  discussions  as  to  the  conclu- 
sions and  proper  remedies  would  be  in  order,  and  that  in  such 
manner  any  complaint  preferred  by  the  professors  or  trustees,  or 
any  individual,  should  be  diligently  investigated. 

The  enquiry  subsequently  proceeded,  under  such  regulations. 
and  every  matter  which  appeared  to  the  committee,  of  importance, 
or  which  was  alledged  to  affect  the  interest  of  the  college,  was 
minutely  and  diligently  investigated.  The  material  and  prominent 
points  of  this  enquiry  can  only  be  necessary,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
committee,  to  detail  in  this  report  to  the  Regents. 

THE  FUNDS  AND  FINANCES  OF  THE  COLLEGE. 

The  committee  called  for  any  suggestion  or  knowledge  of  any 
misapplication  or  mismanagement  of  the  funds  and  finances  of  the 
college.  They  were  happy  to  find  there  was  no  suggestion  or 
pretence  of  any  misapplication  or  abuse  of  the  funds  and  finances 


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of  the  institution  on  the  part  of  any  individual,  or  by  either  the 
professors  or  trustees  of  the  college.  Several  of  the  trustees 
here  explained,  and  said  their  communications  appeared  to  have 
been  misunderstood  by  the  Regents,  and  also  by  the  committee. 
They  were  not  intended  as  charges  against  the  professors  ;  that 
they  were  not  accusers,  and  had  no  complaints  to  prefer.  But 
their  communications  were  made  in  the  performance  of  their  duty 
as  trustees,  and  intended  only  to  procure  a  re-organization  of  the 
charter,  and  better  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  institu- 
tion, and  the  more  economical  management  of  its  concerns. 

The  commitee  proceeded  and  examined  the  particulars  of  the 
current  expenses  of  the  college  for  the  last  two  years,  which  had 
been  allowed  and  paid  by  the  trustees  ;  all  of  which  appeared  to  be 
reasonable  and  proper.  In  the  course  of  this  examination  it  ap- 
peared there  was  some  dissatisfaction  from  the  amount  expended 
by  the  professors  in  annually  advertising  the  commencement  and 
course  of  the  lectures  at  the  college.  The  professors  insisting  on 
the  importance  of  full  notice  being  given,  not  only  in  this,  but  in 
other  states,  and  that  the  expenses  had  been  necessarily  incurred. 
The  committee  were  of  opinion  that  this  matter  belonged  to  the 
trustees,  and  recommended,  that  to  prevent  any  further  difference, 
an  order  should  be  provided  by  the  trustees,  limiting  the  amount 
of  expenses  hereafter  annually  to  be  incurred  for  such  advertise- 
ments, or  specifying  the  number  and  places  for  such  publications  ; 
and  that  a  similar  provision  should  be  "made  for  all  usual  and  or- 
dinary expenses  which  the  professors  may  annually  and  necessa- 
rily incur. 

The  endowments  to  this  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons,  grant- 
ed by  the  state  at  different  times,  in  the  whole  amount  to  $59,457.27, 
and  have  been  made  from  the  proceeds  of  certain  lotteries. 

An  appropriation  was  originally  made  for  the  support  of  a  pro- 
fessorship of  anatomy  and  surgery  in  Columbia  college,  and  was 
transferred  to  the  college  of  physicians  and  surgeons  in  1810.  It 
has  since  been  regularly  paid  to  the  Regents  for  the  benefit  of  this 
college,  till  July,  1824,  viz  :  14  years,  at  $500  per  annum  ;  total 
$7000  :  these  two  sums  amounting  together  to  $66,457.27,  consti- 
tute the  endozvments  to  this  college. 

The  college  has  also  received  from  its  own  revenue  the  sum  of 
$10,172,34, and  from  sundry  loans  of  money  thesumof  $14,336.59  : 
these  several  sums  of  money,  amounting  to  $90,966.20,  show  the 
total  sum  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  college  of  physi- 


13 

eians  and  surgeons  from  its  institution  until  the  first  of  January, 
1 825.  This  sum  is  exclusive  of  the  botonical  garden,  also  bestowed 
upon  the  college ;  hut  which,  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  was 
shortly  after  granted  and  transferred  to  Columbia  college. 

It  was  represented  to  the  committee,  that  portions  of  these  monies 
had  been  indiscreetly  invested,  and  improviclently  expended,  and 
that  its  fiscal  concerns  had  not  been  conducted  with  a  due  regard 
to  economy.  It  appeared,  however,  that  most  of  the  monies  had 
been  expended,  when  persons,  other  than  the  present  incumbents, 
held  several  of  the  professorships  ;  and  before  most  of  the  pre- 
sent trustees  came  into  office.  The  committee  did  not,  therefore, 
pursue  the  inquiry  on  this  point ;  not  perceiving  that  it  would  tend 
to  any  beneficial  conclusion.  It  is,  however,  important,  that  the 
condition  of  this  college,  in  regard  to  its  finances,  should  be  fully 
disclosed,  and  be  distinctly  understood. 

After  the  lotteries  were  granted,  by  which  the  endowments  to 
this  college  were  to  be  raised,  the  proceeds  of  those  lotteries, 
(with  the  assent  of  the  legislature,)  were  anticipated  and  realized. 
This  measure  gave  to  the  college  the  immediate  benefit  of  the  en- 
dowments, subject,  however,  to  a  discount  for  its  ready  payment. 
The  college  has,  consequently,  been  subjected  to  a  very  heavy 
debt  for  interest  on  these  advances  and  its  subsequent  loans.  The 
sum  of  $20,785.35,  appears  to  have  been  already  paid  for  interest 
— and  the  farther  sum  of  $6,742.43,  yet  remains  due  for  interest, 
and  forms  a  part  of  the  remaining  debts  due  from  the  college.  In 
1817,  additional  purchases,  and  considerable  alterations  and  re- 
pairs were  made  to  the  college  property  and  edifices.  To  provide 
funds  for  the  deficit  of  these  expenditures,  and  to  meet  arrears  of  in- 
terest, it  seems  the  professors  agreed  to  loan  to  the  college,  in 
proportion  to  their  several  receipts,  the  necessary  sums  to  meet 
its  annual  payments.  Several  of  the  former  and  the  present  pro- 
fessors of  the  college,  have  made  sundry  loans,  and  therefore  now 
have  a  debt  against  the  college  amounting  to  $2 1 ,079.03.  For  this 
amount,  they  hold  the  scrip  or  certificates  of  the  treasurer,  for  the 
sums  due  to  the  professors  respectively.  This  last  sum  of  $21,079 
02,  forms  the  total  debt  now  due  and  owing  from  the  college — and 
lor  which  provision  is  required. 

The  income  of  the  college  consists  in  the  ground  rent  of  a  cellar 
under  the  building — the  matriculation  fee — and  the  five  hundred 
dollars  per  annum  from  the  Regents. — The  total  income  per  an- 
num, has  been  about  $1,400. 

The  expenditures  of  the  college,  have  been  for  the  interest  due 


14 

on  the  debt  to  the  professors — the  contingent  expenses  of  the  col- 
lege for  repairs,  &c — additions  to  the  library  and  periodical  publi- 
cations, and  the  interest  due  on  the  debt  of  $20,000,  to  Mr.  A.  H. 
Lawrence  :  the  total  expenditures  have  amounted,  per.  annum,  to 
about  $4,000.  (After  October  1826,  the  college  will  be  relieved 
from  the  interest  on  the  debt  to  Mr.  Lawrence ;  the  money  to  meet 
that  sum,  being  then  receivable.)  The  excess  of  the  expenditures 
heretofore,  over  the  income  of  the  college,  has  placed  the  institution 
in  a  sinking  condition.  The  provision  to  meet  this  excess  of  expen- 
diture, over  the  income,  has  been  annually  made  by  the  professors, 
and  forms  the  principal  part  of  the  debt  before  mentioned,  as  due 
to  them.  The  debt  of  the  college  has  been  accumulating  by  bor- 
rowing monies  to  pay  its  interest  and  expenses.  The  college  edi- 
fices are  deteriorating  in  value,  and  under  its  present  operations, 
the  time  is  not  very  remote,  when  the  whole  college  property  will 
be  inadequate  in  value  to  meet  its  growing  debts.  It  has  been 
correctly  urged,  that  the  public  institution  is  fast  merging  into  pri- 
vate property. 

It  is  indispensable  to  the  preservation  and  the  continuance  of 
this  institution,  that  material  alterations  should  be  made  in  the  ope- 
ration ofits  finances.  It  remains  for  the  wisdom  of  the  Regents, 
to  determine  on  some  proper  plan  to  relieve  and  redeem  the  col- 
lege from  its  present  burthens. 

It  has  been  proposed,  that  the  college  should  receive  the  tuition 
money  for  the  lectures — and  that  the  professors  be  allowed  fixed 
salaries.  Such  a  measure  would  damp  the  ardor  of  literary  pur- 
suit in  the  professors  ;  would  take  from  individuals  the  propor- 
tionate rewards  due  to  their  celebrity,  and  might  endanger  the  ul- 
timate prosperity  and  success  of  the  institution.  The  committee 
respectfully  suggest,  that  the  graduation  fee  be  appropriated  per- 
manently to  the  funds  of  the  college.  This  sum,  added  to  the 
fees  for  matriculation  ;  and  the  ten  per.  cent,  on  the  tuition,  with 
the  retrenchments  hereinafter  proposed,  as  to  the  Treasurer  and 
Register,  and  with  care  in  the  ordinary  expenditures,  will  produce 
an  alteration  in  the  operation  of  the  finances,  annually,  of  about 
$4,000.  It  will  produce  a  considerable  amount  of  receipts,  be- 
vond  the  expenditures,  and  provide  for  a  gradual  redemption  of 
the  debts. 

The  committee  recommend  this  subject  to  the  particular  consi- 
deration of  the  Regents.  Sundry  documents  and  papers  have  been 
prepared,  and  are  herewith  submitted,  which  throw  much  light  on 


15 

this  interesting  subject.     An  abstract  of  the  finances  of  the  col- 
lege, marked  A,  is  especially  referred  to. 

The  late  Dr.  De  Witt,  received  certain  monies  to  be  expended 
and  accounted  for  to  the  college.  His  representatives  hold  scrip 
or  claims  against  the  college  ;  and  the  account  remains  unsettled. 
Other  monies  have  been  advanced  to  other  of  the  professors,  to 
erect  fixtures,  and  meet  expenditures  for  the  college.  They  also, 
have  demands  ;  and  the  accounts  remain  unliquidated.  It  is  very 
desirable,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  that  all  those  account* 
be  finally  adjusted,  and  the  correct  balances  be  ascertained  and  dis- 
tinctly stated.  The  income  and  the  expenditures  of  the  college, 
should  be  precisely  known,  and  often  compared. 

THE  TREASURER  AND  REGISTRAR. 

The  present  treasurer  has  performed  the  labour  of  this  office, 
since  1811.  He  appears  to  have  discharged  the  duties  imposed 
upon  him  with  intelligence,  fidelity  and  care.  He  performed  the 
duties  without  compensation,  from  1811,  to  1818.  Since  that  time 
he  has  charged  in  his  account,  for  receiving  and  disbursing,  a  com- 
mission of  2  1-2  per  cent,  on  the  monies  which  have  passed  through 
his  hands.  He  now  claims,  (in  his  letter  of  April,  1825,)  "  inas- 
much, as  the  other  offices  are  extremely  lucrative,  and  no  dispo- 
sition on  the  part  of  the  incumbents  to  make  sacrifices  for  the  be- 
nefit of  the  institution,"  that  he  be  allowed  a  like  commission  on 
all  monies  received  and  disbursed  by  him,  before  1818.  The 
amount  of  the  commissions  received  by  him  since  1818,  is 
$1,257.17.  The  treasurer,  upon  the  whole,  has  been  very  well 
compensated  :  there  is  no  good  reason  for  a  very  great  commission, 
on  receiving  and  paying  the  sums  granted  to  literary  institutions. 
In  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  this  claim  of  the  treasurer  for 
further  commissions,  ought  not  to  be  allowed. 

The  present  registrar  (Dr.  Francis)  has  received  no  compensa- 
tion since  he  has  held  the  office,  for  recording,  and  keeping  the 
books  and  proceedings  of  the  college.  Considerable  sums,  how- 
ever, have  been  paid  to  ascrivner,  amounting  to  $745,  for  engross- 
ing into  record  books,  the  minutes,  charter,  by-laws,  and  other 
proceedings  of  the  college,  from  its  organization  to  this  time.  This 
duty  ought  to  have  been  performed  as  the  proceedings  occurred. 
But  it  appeared  the  registrar  could  not  sooner  possess  himself 
of  the  papers  to  complete  the  records.  It  is  hoped  the  trustees 
will  not  again  suffer  it  to  be  in  arrear.  The  sum  of  $50  per  an- 
num, to   each,  would,    at  all  times,  be  a  sufficient  and  reasona- 


16 

tele  compensation  to  the  treasurer,  and  the  register,  if  any  pay 
was  required  for  their  services.  The  allowance  to  them  ought 
to  be  limited  to  such  sum  :  but  the  register  does  not  ask  com- 
pensation, and  several  of  the  professors  and  trustees  now  prof- 
fer to  perform  the  duties  of  treasurer  in  future,  without  any 
charge.  The  present  treasurer  is  willing  to  do  the  same,  if  other 
officers  are  put  on  the  same  footing.  No  allowance  for  either  of 
these  officers  will  hereafter  be  expected. 

This  will  form  a  considerable  retrenchment  of  expenses,  and 
obviate  future  difficulties.  These  duties,  important  in  their  char- 
acter, but  of  very  little  risque  or  labour,  ought  ever  to  be  per- 
formed by  some  officers  interested  in  the  concerns  of  the  college. 
An  instalment  of  $20,000  from  the  lottery  endowments,  is  receiva- . 
ble  this  year  to  meet  the  debt  due  to  Mr.  Lawrence  ;  this  sum, 
with  the  other  ordinary  receipts,  would  produce  a  commission 
of  nearly  $700,  while  its  labour  will  principally  be  performed  by 
receiving  and  handing  over  a  check. 

A  graduation  fee  of  $25  is  required  of  each  candidate  on  his  ob- 
taining a  diploma.  This  fee  appears  to  have  been  required  since 
1811,  and  was  then  considered  a  perquisite  to  the  professors,  and 
a  compensation  for  the  labour  of  the  examination.  It  was  receiv- 
ed by  them  for  their  own  use.  In  the  infant  state  of  the  college, 
and  when  the  classes  of  the  students  were  small,  the  allowance  of 
this  fee  was  a  proper  and  necessary  encouragement  to  the  pro- 
fessors. 

The  classes  of  students  have  since  increased,  and  the  amount  of 
the  tuition  money  has  been  so  much  augmented,  it  may  well  be 
considered  whether  the  tuition  is  not  alone  a  very  sufficient  com- 
pensation to  the  professors,  for  four  months  labour  in  a  course  of 
lectures  of  one  hour  each  day  :  and  more  especially,  if  the  advan- 
tages derived  from  the  winter  students  are  considered.  The  com- 
mittee recommend  an  ordinance,  appropriating  this  graduation  fee 
in  future  to  the  funds  of  the  college.  It  may  be  estimated  as  pro- 
ducing annually  about  $1000,  and  will  greatly  aid  the  finances  in 
their  depressed  condition. 

A  controversy  formerly  existed  between  the  late  president  (Dr. 
Bard)  and  the  professors,  as  to  the  division  of  the  residue  of  this 
graduation  fee,  after  an  allowance  of  three  dollars  to  the  secretary 
of  the  board  of  Regents  for  diplomas,  &c.  An  appeal  was  made  to 
the  Regents. 

By  an  ordinance  of  the  Regents  in  1820,  this  fee  was  confirmed, 
and  granted  $5  to  the  president,  and  the  remainder  equally  to  the 


17 

professors  ;  and  formed,  as  it  had  before,  a  source  of  their  indi- 
vidual income  and  profit  arising  from  their  lectures.  Upon  an  ex- 
amination into  the  funds  of  the  college  in  1822,  and  finding  they 
were  greatly  embarrassed,  and  sinking  under  accumulating  debts, 
the  trustees  had  under  actual  discussion  a  resolution,  proposing  to 
the  Regents  to  resume  the  graduation  fees,  and  place  them  in  aid  of 
the  common  funds  of  the  college.  The  professors,  thereupon,  on 
the  24th  of  January,  1822,  subscribed  and  delivered  to  the  trus- 
tees the  following  agreement. 

"  COLLEGE  OF  PHYSICIANS  AND  SURGEONS, 

January  24th,  1822. 

"  We  the  undersigned,  professors  and  surgeons,  &c.  do  agree  to 
place  our  graduation  fees  for  a  term  of  five  years  at  the  disposal  of 
the  college,  unless  in  the  meantime  it  should  be  relieved  from  its 
present  embarrassment." 

The  proposed  resolution  then  under  discussion  by  the  trustees 
was  withdrawn,  and  not  further  acted  upon.  The  trustees  in  their 
report  to  the  Regents,  represented,  that  the  professors  had  relin- 
quished to  the  college,  their  graduation  fees  for  the  term  of  five 
years. 

The  Regents  on  the  10th  of  April,  1822,  passed  the  following 
ordinance.  "That  the  sum  of  five  dollars,  heretofore  allowed  to 
the  president  of  the  said  college,  together  with  the  sums  allowed  to 
the  professors  therein,  out  of  the  graduation  fees,  &c.  &c.  be  and 
the  same  is  appropriated  to  the  general  funds  of  the  said  college 
tor  the  said  period  of  five  years." 

The  trustees,  understanding  that  some  difference  of  opinion  was 
entertained,  as  to  the  effect  of  the  surrender  of  the  graduation  fees, 
made  by  the  professors,  passed  on  the  12th  February,  1822,  the  fol- 
lowing resolution.  "  Resolved,  as  the  sense  of  this  board,  that  the 
arrangement  entered  into  by  the  professors,  in  relation  to  the 
graduation  fees,  is  understood  to  amount  to  a  relinquishment  of 
said  graduation  fees  to  the  college,  so  long  as  its  embarrassments 
require  them,  provided  the  said  term  does  not  exceed  five  years." 

This  resolution  was  passed  in  the  board  of  trustees  when  the 
professors  were  present.  It  appeared  that  no  division  of  names 
was  taken  on  the  passing  of  the  resolution.  The  affirmative  of 
the  question  was  put,  to  which  there  was  a  general  answer  "  aye." 
The  negative  was  put,  to  which  there  was  one  voice  said  "  no," 
and  the  resolution  was  recorded  as  duly  passed.     It  did  not  appear 


18" 

whether  professors  voted  or  remained  silent  upon  the  passing  ef 
the  resolution,  yet  it  was  understood,  by  sentiments  previously  ex- 
pressed, that  one  or  two  of  the  professors  were  opposed  to  it. 

Notwithstanding  ail  these  proceeding?,  the  professors  claim  that 
the  graduation  fees  were  not  relinquished  by  them  to  the  college  '. 
but  that  to  aid  the  college,  they  were  allowed  to  be  put  into  its 
funds-  as  a  loan  for  the  term  of  five  years,  and  that  the  amount 
thereof  with  interest  is  a  just  debt  due  from  the  college  to  the  pro- 
fessors. They  further  urge,  that  the  Regents  m  their  reports  to- 
the  legislature  in  1822  and  1823,  recognized  this  claim  as  a  loan 
put  into  the  college  funds  for  five  years  only. 

This  graduation:  fee  was  in  1821-2  $730  50 

1822-3  750  00 

1823-*  1275  00 

1824-5  1025  Ofr 

Suppose  1825-6  to  be  the  same,-        1025  00- 


$4805  50 
If  this  claim  is  allowed,  this  sum,  with  interest  thereon,  must  be 
added  to  the  amount  of  debts  due  from  the  college.     In  the  opinioi? 
of  the  committee r  the  claim  ought  not  to  be  allowed;. 

ANATOMY  AND  SURGERY. 

Under  this  head,  the  committee  had  cause  to  apprehend  that  if 
exactions  had  not  been  made  upon  students,  yet  that  improper  usa- 
ges were  allowed,  which  required-  the  interposition  of  authority. 

The  subject  was  critically  examined.  All  suggestions  of  grie- 
vances were  attentively  heard  ;  and  the  result  was  such,  it  appear- 
ed to  your  committee,  that  these  departments  were  conducted  in  a 
correct  manner,,  and  without  just  cause  of  complaint. 

The  provision  made  by  law,  for  delivering  over  for  dissection 
certain  convicts,  who  are  executed,  or  who  die  in  the  state  prison, 
furnishes  an  insufficient  number  of  "  subjects"  even  for  the  regu- 
lar course  of  surgical  and  anatomical  lectures. 

The  professors,  in  the  course  of  their  lectures,  grve  explana- 
tions, and  perform  the  operations  of  surgery'  and  dissectiou  in  the 
presence  of  the  class  of  students,  seated  upon  elevated  benches, 
around  the  lecture  room.  This  course  teaches  the  principles  and 
the  practice  of  anatomy  and  surgery,  and  is  a  performance  of  the 
professor's  duties.  But  the  student,  who  is  desirous  to  become  a 
skilful  practitioner,  feels  the  evident  necessity  of  a  more  intimate 


19 

^smmation  of  the  matters  of  his  study,  and  the  important  benefits 
"io  be  derived  from  it  ;  and  from  reducing  the  theory  of  the  lec- 
tures to  practice,  by  descending  from  the  benches,  and  handling  the 
subject,  and  actually  performing  operations  with  the  instruments. 

This  desire,  hi  the  pursuit  of  practicahinformation,  induces  the 
students  oftentimes  to  assemble  in  the  dissecting  room,  out  -of  lec- 
ture hours,  to  participate  in  actual  practice.  The  assistants  to  the 
professors,  attend  with  them,  take  care  -of  the  instruments,  aid 
them  in  the  performap.ee  of  operations,  and  with  renewed  expla- 
nations. Those  assistants,  to  the  professors  in  Surgery  and  Ana- 
tomy, are  called  Demonstrator s,  and  appear  to  be  very  useful  aids 
to  the  diligent  student. 

These  volunteer  associations,  and  meetings,  of  the  students,  with 
She  demonstrators,  require  other  subjects  for  operations.  It  seems 
-jnjsagehas,  therefore,  been  introduced,  that  each  student,  uniting 
in  these  meetings  with  the  demonstrators,  shall  contribute  the 
sum  of  five  dollars,  to  constitute  a  common  fund,  from  which  to 
provide  other  subjects^  to  operate  upon.  It  appeared  that  the  sums 
thus  contributed  by  the  students,  had  been  actually  applied  to  the 
professed  object,  leaving  a  deficit  of  the  expenses  actually  incur- 
red ;  and  tliat  no  part  of  the  monies  had  been  received,  or  retained, 
by  either  the  professors,  or  demonstrators,  and  that  the  contributions 
had  been  voluntary,  and  from  such  students  only,  as  desired  ad- 
mission into  those  private  meetings  among  themselves. 

It  was  urged,  that  these  meetings,  and  this  contribution,  was  an 
abuse,  and  led  to  evil  consequences,  andtlmt  they  ought  to  be  prohi- 
bited ;  or  that,  if  they  were  deemed  beneficial,  they  should  be 
sanctioned  by  the  Regents,  and  the  offices  of  the  demonstrators 
should  be  erected  into  a  distinct  department. 

In  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  the  practice  yet  has  led  to  no 
abuse — that  it  is  productive  of  great  benefits  ;  and  that  the  dili- 
gent student  ought  not  to  be  prohibited  from  this  source  of  addi- 
tional information.  To  recognize  the  offices  of  these  demonstra- 
tors, as  separate  departments,  would  greatly  augment  the  present 
expenses  to  the  student ;  and,  perhaps,  might  grow  into  competi- 
tion with  the  professors  in  surgery  and  anatomy,  and  even  invite 
new  sources  for  collision  in  this  c  liege.  If  these  demonstrators 
are  left  as  the  unforbidden  and  unauthorised  assistants  of  the  pro- 
fessors, the  Regents  can  hold  those  professors  responsible  for  the 
conduct  of  their  agents  :  and  a  watchful  care  over  the  concerns  of 
the  college,  will  prevent  any  growing  abuse. 


20 

Connected  with  this  subject,  was  the  representation  of  a  further 
abuse,  in  requiring  from  each  student  a  contribution  of  two  dollars, 
for  an  attendant  on  the  dissecting  room.  It  appears  that  a  person, 
in  the  character  of  servant,  waits  upon  the  students  at  the  dissecting 
room — at  the  lectures,  and  at  their  private  meetings  ;  provides 
water,  soap,  and  towels,  for  their  use,  and  attends  to  the  removing 
the  offals  and  useless  parts  of  the  subject,  and  cleaning  the  room. 
For  these  services,  this  contribution  of  two  dollars  has  been  made. 
It  does  not  appear  to  the  committee,  that  the  subject  requires  the 
interposition  of  the  Regents. 

A  matriculation  fee,  of  five  dollars  yearly,  is  now  required 
from  each  student.  This  is  a  perquisite  to  the  college  library  ; 
and  for  its  gradual  increase,  especially  in  the  modern  periodical 
publications,  and  for  which  the  student  is  entitled  to  its  free  use. 
The  annual  amount  of  this  fee  depends  upon  the  number  of  stu- 
dents. 

It  produced  to  the  College,  in  1819,       $711  00 

1820,  925  00 

1821,  1005  00 

1822,  1000  00 

1823,  1010  00 

1824,  975  00 

Perhaps  a  portion  of  these  monies  might  be  advantageously  ap- 
plied to  the  purchasing  of  appropriate  medals,  to  be  offered  an- 
nually, under  the  auspices  ofthe  Regents,  for  prize  essays  on  me- 
dicine, or  subjects  of  science  connected  with  the  public  health.  It 
would  call  forth  the  talents  of  the  country,  excite  a  spirit  of  im- 
provement, and  furnish  a  collection  of  valuable  materials,  for  pe- 
riodical publications.  Two  prizes,  of  $50  each,  are  regularly  of- 
fered for  the  best  medical  dissertations,  by  a  committee  ofthe  uni- 
versity of  Massachusetts  ;  and  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the 
premiums  have  been  annually  awarded  to  young  physicians  and 
medical  students.  The  medal  should  derive  its  value  from 
being  a  token  of  honour,  rather  than  from  its  intrinsic  worth.  If 
an  honorary  degree  should  sometimes  be  conferred  upon  a  meri- 
torious competitor  for  a  prize,  it  would  spring  from  as  good  cau- 
ses, rest  on  as  much  foundation,  and  promise  as  beneficial  results 
•  to  society,  as  many  other  degrees  now  often  bestowed  by  other 
literary  institutions. 

It  has  been  urged,  that  but  one  matriculation  fee,  or  a  fee  for 
one  vear,  should  only  be  charged  to  each  student,  and  that  the 


21 

amount  of  the  fee  should  be  increased.  It  appears  to  the  com- 
mittee, to  be  inexpedient,  at  this  time,  to  make  any  alterations  in 
the  present  regulation  on  this  subject. 

If  the  provision  now  made  by  law,  for  delivering  certain  con- 
victs to  the  college,  could  be  extended  to  the  convicts,  who  de- 
cease in  the  penitentiary,  it  would  probably  supply  a  sufficient 
number  of  subjects,  not  only  for  the  regular  lectures,  but  even  for 
the  meetings  with  the  demonstrators  of  surgery  and  anatomy.  Such 
provision  might  assist  the  criminal  police  of  the  state  :  It  would 
remove  the  odious  practice  of  the  exhumation  of  bodies  :  It  would 
relieve  the  students  from  the  necessary  contribution  to  procure 
subjects  ;  and  might  well  then  justify  an  increase  of  the  matricu- 
lation fee,  for  the  benefit  of  the  college  funds. 

PROFESSORSHIPS  IN  THE  COLLEGE. 
The  college  has  established  six  professorships,  in  each  of  which 
full  courses  of  lectures  are  given  to  the  students. 

1.  Dr.  Hosack,  on  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic  and  Cli- 
nical Medicine. 

2.  Dr.  Macneven,  on  Chemistry. 

3.  Dr.  Mitchill,  on  Botany  and  Materia  Medica. 

4.  Dr.  Post,  on  Anatomy  and  Physiology. 

5.  Dr.  Mott,  on  Surgery. 

6.  Dr.  Francis,  on  Obstetrics,  and  the  Diseases  of  Women  and 
children. 

The  lectures  commence  on  the  first  Monday  of  November,  and 
continue  daily  until  the  first  of  March.  The  examination  of  can- 
didates is  then  begun  and  continued  till  about  the  20th  ot  March, 
when  the  degrees  are  conferred. 

The  prescribed  plan  of  instruction  appeared  to  have  been  exe- 
cuted according  to  the  existing  regulations.  The  college  has  a 
respectable  medical  library.  The  professors  have  a  valuable  ca- 
binet of  anatomical  and  surgical  preparations  ;  a  laboratory  and 
an  expensive  chemical  apparatus  ;  an  extensive  collection  of  spe- 
cimens in  the  materia  medica,  botany  and  natural  history  ;  and  mu- 
seums containing  specimens  and  articles  illustrative  of  the  subjects 
taught  in  the  lectures.  They  are  deposited  in  convenient  rooms 
in  the  college  edifice,  and  are  used  for  the  instruction  and  improve- 
ment of  the  students.  It  is  from  these  facilities  in  education,  from 
which  the  student  probably  derives  as  much  benefit  in  his  studies, 
as  from  his  attendance  on  the  lectures.     It  may  be  safely  said,  that 


22 

inhere  are  very  few  medical  schools  in  this  country,  which  equal, 
if  there  are  any  that  surpass,  in  the  facilities  of  education,  those 
afforded  in  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  New- York. 
But  it  must  he  stated  that  these  valuable  cabinets,  collections,  ap- 
paratus, and  museums,  are  the  private  property  of  the  professors. 
They  ought  to  belong  to  and  form  a  part  of  the  public  institution, 
and  be  open  and  accessible  to  the  medical  practitioners  throughout 
the  state.  Till  this  is  effected  it  cannot  be  considered  entirely  a 
public  institution.  To  accomplish  a  measure  so  desirable,  great 
economy  should  be  encouraged  in  the  management  of  the  affairs  of 
the  institution  ;  all  proper  sources  of  revenue  should*  be  put  into 
the  funds  of  the  college  ;  first,  for  the  liquidation  of  its  debts  ;  and 
then  to  acquire  and  increase  all  those  facilities  in  education,  which 
are  so  important  to  the  student,  and  so  desirable  to  the  public. 

The  appointment  of  persons  to  the  profesorships  in  the  college 
should  ever  be  made  with  great  care  ;  and  after  great  delibera- 
tion to  ascertain  their  fitness  and  their  devotedness  to  the  pursuits 
of  medical  science.  It  is  recommended  that  the  Regents  occa- 
sionally cause  a  scrutiny  to  be  made  into  the  manner  and  skill 
with  which  the  duties  of  the  professors  are  performed ;  to  ascer- 
tain their  acquaintance  with  recent  discoveries  and  modern  im- 
provements in  medicine,  and  the  treatment  of  diseases,  as  well  as 
their  continued  attention  to  science,  and  the  continued  usefulness 
of  each  one,  to  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  the  college. 
Such  watchful  proceedings  will  keep  up  proper  excitement,  and 
stimulate  professors  and  students  to  renewed  efforts,  and  increas- 
ed acquirements.  It  will  elevate  the  rank  of  professorships,  and 
raise  the  institution  to  the  highest  grade  in  science.  "  The  science 
of  medicine  was  once  greatly  involved  in  mystery  and  artificial 
theories,  when  genius  lashed  it  with  the  pen  of  Moliere.  Since 
it  has  abandoned  its  senseless  nostrums,  and  formulas,  and  fixed 
itself  firmly  on  the  basis  of  fact  and  experiment,  it  has  considera- 
bly gained  in  respect,  honour,  and  emolument."  To  become 
perfect,  it  must  be  divested  of  its  jargon  of  technicalities  ;  its  princi- 
ples must  be  studied  and  understood,  and  be  attired  in  the  plain 
robe  of  reason  and  common  sense.  The  spirit  of  free  inquiry 
which  characterizes  the  present  age,  has  considerably  improved 
it.  Rut  the  patrons  of  scientific  institutions  should  hold  their  pro- 
fessors responsible  for  further  amendment.  All  this  will  be  ac- 
complished in  a  considerable  degree,  by  the  board  of  visitors, 
hereafter  recommended. 


23 

A  tuitidnfee  of  fifteen  dollars  is  charged  for  the  full  coarse  of 
lectures,  for  one  year,  with  each  professor,  An  additional  charge' 
of  Jive  dollars  is  allowed  to  the  professors  of  chemistry  and  anato- 
my for  their  assistants,  and  extra  necessary  expenses  about  their 
lectures. 

There  is  great  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  price  proper  to  be 
paid  for  a  course  of  lectures  ;  some  urge  that  the  price  is  much 
too  high,  and  others  insist  it  is  much  too  low. 

The  University  of  Pennsylvania  has  six  professors  in  the  med- 
ical department ;  the  fees  are  $20  to  each  professor,  for  one 
course  of  lectures,  and  the  number  of  students  is  about  400. 

The  University  of  Maryland  has  seven  professors  in  medicine, 
fees  $20  to  each  ;  and  about  200  students.  The  medical  institu- 
tion in  Connecticut  has  four  professors  ;  the  fees-  are  $12.50  to- 
each,  and  about  90  students.  The  Western  college  of  physicians 
and  surgeons  at  Fairfield,  has  five  professors;  the  fees  are  $10 
each,  for  three  of  them  ;  the  other  two,  have  $12  each,  and  about 
1 20  students.  (It  is  not  the  object  of  this  report  to  remark  uport 
the  extent  or  comparative  excellence  of  the  courses  of  the  lec- 
tures in  these  different  institutions.)  After  a  full  hearing  of  the 
reasons  urged  on  either  side  of  this  question,  your  committee 
recommend,  that  it  shall  remain  with  the  Regents  under  advise- 
ment, but  that  no  alteration  shah  be  made  at  the  present  time. 

MEDICAL  STUDENTS. 

From  the  very  many  regulations  called  for,  in  order  to  perfect 
the  discipline  and  promote  the  interests  of  the  college,  relative- to 
students,  it  was  but  too  evident,  many  of  the  causes  of  the  differen- 
ces of  opinion  between  the  professors,  and  the  trustees  and  medi- 
cal societies,  were  dependent  upon  or  intimately  connected  with 
this  subject.  It  therefore  received  the  particular  consideration  of 
your  committee. 

It  appeared  that  the  average  number'  of  students  annually  attend- 
ing the  lectures  in  the  college,  had  been  for  several  years  past 
about  two  hundred. 

The  students  which  attended  the  lectures  of  the  several  profes- 
sors in  1824-5,  were  as  follows  : 

Dr.  Hosack,  136  students,  4  of  which  were  received  without  fee. 

Dr.  Macneven,  117  students. 

Dr.  Mitchill,  121  students. 

Dr.  Post,  158  students.  16  of  whom  paid  no  fees. 


24 

Dr.  Mott,  158  students,  16  of  whom  were  private  students,  and 
6  were  poor,  and  paid  no  fee. 

Dr.  Francis,  129  students. 

It  appeared  that  several  of  the  professors  had  an  established 
Usage,  that  any  person  who  had  regularly  attended  with  them  two 
full  courses  of  lectures,  should  not  be  subject  to  any  farther  char- 
ges for  any  subsequent  attendance  at  the  lectures.  It  was  under 
such  usage  that  some  of  the  persons,  who  had  been  at  the  lectures, 
were  returned  as  not  paying  any  fee.  It  appeared  however,  that 
the  matriculation  fee  to  the  college  library,  had  been  duly  paid  by 
this  excepted  class  of  students. 

The  regulations  of  the  college  require,  that  in  order  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  an  examination,  each  candidate  shall  be  twenty-one  years 
of  age  ;  shall  have  pursued  medical  studies  for  the  term  of  three 
years,  and  attended  two  full  courses  of  lectures,  one  of  which  must 
be  at  this  college.  Students  very  often  divide  the  course  of  lec- 
tures. Attend  one  year  the  lectures  of  certain  of  the  professors, 
and  another  year  the  lectures  of  the  others,  so  as  to  complete  in 
three  years  the  full  course.  This  enables  the  student  to  attend  a 
second  or  a  third  time  the  lectures  of  the  professors  in  the  depart- 
ments which  he  intends  more  immediately  to  follow.  This  manner 
of  receiving  the  lectures  at  different  seasons,  gives  many  additional 
advantages  to  the  student. 

The  students  who  come  from  the  country,  or  from  abroad,  to 
attend  the  college  during  the  season  of  lectures,  are  not  necessarily 
required  to  enter  into  the  office  of  either  professor,  trustee,  or  oth- 
er practising  physician.  It  is  entirely  at  their  own  option,  into 
what  office  they  enter  themselves,  or  whether  they  go  into  any 
one.  It  is  however,  generally  the  case,  that  those  students  do  en- 
ter into  some  office,  and  by  far  the  greater  portion  of  them  enter 
the  office  of  some  of  the  professors.  Indeed  the  professors  have 
almost  a  monopoly  of  this  class  of  students. 

The  two  classes  of  students  in  the  several  offices  are  distinguish- 
ed by  distinct  appellations.  The  students  steadily  residing  in  any 
office  are  called  "  private  students."  Those  who  enter  the  office 
to  remain  only  during  the  course  of  lectures,  are  denominated 
"  winter  students." 

The  students  who  attend  the  lectures  suppose  they  can  derive 
great  additional  advantages  from  frequenting  the  office  of  some 
practitioner,  where  they  can  obtain  further  explanations  on  the 
subjects  of  the  lectures  :  compound  medicines ;  make  experiment? 


25 

in  chemistry  ;  assist  in  surgical  operations,  or  witness  clinical  prac- 
tice. It  is  probable  from  such  views  they  generally  enter  into 
some  office,  and  most  usually  give  preference  to  the  office  of  a  pro- 
fessor. Many  of  the  students,  however,  while  attending  lectures, 
enter  at  the  same  time  into  the  offices  of  two  different  professors. 
It  has  been  urged,  that  persons  who  contemplate  a  residence  as 
practising  physicians  where  they  must  be  called  to  practice  in  the 
different  branches  of  medicine,  require  to  become  skilful  in  those 
several  branches,  and  therefore  properly  enter  at  the  same  time  as 
students  in  two  or  more  offices,  as  interest  or  inclination  may 
prompt,  to  increase  their  opportunities  for  acquiring  information. 
That  the  same  person  may  advantageously  be  a  student  at  the  same 
time,  with  the  professor  of  surgery  or  anatomy,  and  attend  his  office 
while  engaged  with  his  particular  lectures  :  and  also  with  the  pro- 
fossor  of  the  theory  and  practice  of  physic,  of  botany,  or  chemis- 
try, and  attend  his  office  while  engaged  with  his  lectures. 

On  the  other  hand,  this  practice  of  allowing  persons  to  enter  as 
students  into  two  offices  at  the  same  time,  has  been  reprobated  in 
strong  terms,  and  represented  as  injurious  to  the  character  of  the 
college,  and  intended  only  to  secure  favouriteism  with  the  profes- 
sors at  their  examinations,  and  as  calculated  to  send  forth  incom- 
petent men,  from  motives  of  partiality,  with  the  honours  of  the  col- 
lege, which  ought  only  to  be  the  reward  of  great  merit. 

Connected  with  this  subject,  it  appeared  that  the  annual  public, 
examination  of  the  candidates  for  graduation,  which,  by  the  charter, 
is  required  to  be  before  the  board  of  professors  and  trustees,  has 
usually  been  preceded  by  a  private  examination  before  the  profes- 
sors. It  was  alleged,  that  the  effect  had  been  to  render  the  public 
examinations  a  mere  form,  and  that  it  enabled  the  professors  more 
easily  to  accomplish  any  objects  of  favouriteism  to  students  who 
should  have  entered  their  several  offices.  On  the  other  part,  it 
was  insisted  to  be  correct  and  proper  for  the  professors,  by  previ- 
ous private  examinations,  to  ascertain  the  fitness  of  the  pupils,  be- 
fore they  were  recommended  as  candidates,  and  thus  to  guard  them 
from  failure  and  dishonor  by  an  unsuccessful  public  examination. 
It  was  said  that  no  evil  could  result  from  such  a  course,  or  be- 
cause the  candidate  had  been  a  student  in  more  than  one  office, 
in  as  much  as  the  professors  were  but  six  members  of  a  board  of 
twenty-live  trustees  ;  all  of  whom  were  by  the  charter  required 
to  attend  the  examinations,  and  each  of  whom  were  to  pass  after 

4 


26 

satisfactory  enquiry,  upon  the  fitness  of  the  candidates,  by  a  direct 
vote,  rejecting  or  recommending  each  to  a  diploma. 

The  committee  called  for  some  proof  of  any  instance  of  favo- 
riteism,  or  oppression,  against  any  candidate,  by  either  professor, 
or  trustee  ;  and  especially,  if  any  instance  could  be  shewn,  where 
a  candidate  had  been  favoured,  because  he  had  been  in  the  office 
of  one  or  more  of  the  professors  ;  or  had  been  oppressed,  be- 
cause he  had  been  a  student  in  the  office  of  a  trustee  ?  The  in- 
quiry was  diligent,  but  ineffectual,  to  establish  any  such  case.  The 
trustees  insisted,  that  proof  ought  not  to  be  expected — that  the 
circumstances  did  not  admit  of  proof.  The  motives  which  might 
influence  a  student  to  give  preference  to  a  professor's  office,  or  to 
enter,  at  the  same  time,  into  more  than  one  office,  or  the  bias  it 
might  produce  on  the  professors'  minds,  could  not  be  matter  of 
proof.  It  was  said,  the  moral  effect  was  evinced,  from  the  rela- 
tion in  which  the  parties  were  placed,  and  from  the  attitude  and 
power  of  the  professors  over  the  students,  and  the  evils  were  to 
be  inferred  from  the  circumstances. 

In  the  absence  of  proof,  the  case  rested  wholly  upon  inferences, 
which  were  pressed  with  great  force,  upon  the  consideration  of  the 
committee.  It  was  represented,  that  the  college  would  never  at- 
tain any  considerable  eminence,  under  its  "present  regulations, 
which  were  so  replete  with  incongruous  provisions.  In  this  latter 
position  only,  both  professors  and  trustees  seemed  to  accord.  The 
committee  required  of  each  to  submit  the  alterations  and  amend- 
ments, which  were  deemed  so  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  insti- 
tution. Various  propositions  were  submitted,  and  which  are  here- 
with delivered  over  to  the  Regents.  The  principle  of  these  pro- 
positions require,  on  the  one  hand  ;  that  an  ordinance  should  be 
passed,  making  the  professors  depend  on  a  specified  salary,  and 
prohibiting  the  professors  from  taking  any  "  winter  students"  ;  in 
order  to  elevate  the  character  of  the  college,  by  a  more  rigid  and 
entirely  impartial  examination  of  candidates  for  diplomas  :  And 
on  the  other  hand,  that  the  trustees  should  be  removed  from  their 
places  ;  or  that  the  examination  of  candidates,  and  the  care  of  the 
instruction  in  the  college,  be  placed  wholly  with  the  professors. 

In  the  perplexity  arising  from  the  different  opinions  entertained 
on  these  subjects  by  medical  gentlemen,  of  acknowledged  respec- 
tability, and  perhaps  of  equal  talents,  your  committee  have  endea- 
voured to  derive  instruction,  from  a  reference  to  the  manner  and 


27 

principles  upon  which  other  medical  institutions,  in  the  adjoining 
states,  have  been  founded.  Their  means  of  information  are  limi- 
ted ;  but  as  far  as  they  have  been  enabled  to  learn,  it  appears  : 

The  Regents  of  the  University  of  Maryland,  is  an  incorporation, 
embracing  four  faculties,  together  with  the  provost  of  the  said  uni- 
versity.    The  four  faculties  are,  viz  : 

The  Faculty  of  Physic,   " 

The  Faculty  of  Divinity, 

The  Faculty  of  Law,  and 

The  Faculty  of  Arts  and  Sciences. 
These  four  faculties  thus  united,  constitute  the  university. 
"Each  of  the  faculties  are  declared  to  possess  the  power  of  ap- 
pointing its  own  professors  and  lecturers."  And  the  professors 
now  appointed  in  the  college  of  medicine  of  Maryland,  and  their 
successors,  are  declared  to  constitute  the  faculty  of  physic. 

The  University  of  Pennsylvania  consists  of  the  following  gene- 
ral divisions  : 

1.  A  department  of  the  Arts  and  Sciences. 

2.  A  Medical  department. 

3.  A  Law  department. 

4.  A  department  of  Natural  Sciences. 

5.  A  department  of  General  Literature. 

Its  government  is  in  the  governor  of  the  state,  ex-officio,  and 
twenty-four  other  persons,  (who  arc  not  medical  men,)  denomina- 
ted a  •'  board  of  trustees."  The  medical  school  is  under  the  im- 
mediate government  of  the  medical  professors,  with  power  to  esta- 
blish proper  rules  aud  regulations  for  conducting  the  business  of 
the  department,  subject  to  the  rules  and  statutes  of  the  board  of 
trustees. 

The  candidates  are  examined  privately  by  the  professors,  in  the 
presence  of  such  of  the  trustees  as  choose  to  attend.  If  found 
qualified,  they  are  to  be  so  reported  to  the  provost,  who  is  to  com- 
municate such  report  to  "  the  board  of  trustees,"  in  order,  if  ap- 
proved of  by  them,  that  degrees  maybe  conferred. 

In  Massachusetts,  the  medical  school  is  controuled  by  a  medical 
faculty,  composed  of  the  president  of  the  university,  and  the  five 
medical  professors.  It  is  subject  to  the  incorporation  of  the  pre- 
sident, and  fellows  of  Harvard  university,  and  which  is  again 
subject  to  the  "  overseers  of  the  university."  The  overseers 
are  composed  of  the  governor,  and  senate  of  the  state,  with  about 


28 

thirty  distinguished  individuals.  In  practice,  the  medical  faculty 
regulate  their  own  department,  and  fill  their  own  vacancies,  sub- 
ject to  the  negative  of  the  overseers. 

In  Connecticut,  "  The  Medical  Institution  of  Yale  College"  is  a 
faculty'attached  to  the  incorporation  of  that  college  ;  it  has  four  pro- 
fessors, 

1st.  Of  Chemistry  and  Pharmacy. 

2nd.  Of  the  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine, 

3d.  Of  Anatomy,  Surgery,  and  Midwifery. 

4th.  Of  Materia  Medicaand  Botany. 

The  institution  is  under  the  government  of  the  corporation  of 
Yale  College,  by  which  its  professors  are  appointed  ;  its  concerns 
regulated  and  its  degrees  conferred.  The  diploma  is  under  the 
seal  of  Yale  College,  and  signed  by  the  president.  The  exami- 
nations and  recommendations  of  candidates  are  made  by  a  board  to 
consist  of  the  four  professors  and  four  members  from  county  medi- 
cal societies,  to  be  annually  appointed  by  "  The  Medical  Conven- 
tion," which  is  a  meeting  composed  of  delegates  from  the  county 
societies. 

From  the  preceding  references  it  appears,  that  the  Medical  fa- 
culty of  other  institutions,  have  the  immediate  government  of  their 
colleges,  with  the  power  of  the  examinations  and  the  right  of  re- 
commending candidates  for  degrees,  to  a  Board  of  Trustees,  answer- 
ing to  "  the  Regents"  in  this  state,  and  without  any  intervening  body 
of  Medical  Trustees,  vested  with  power  to  controul  the  examina- 
tions and  recommendation  of  candidates  for  degrees.  A  recurrence 
to  the  rise  and  progress  of"  The  College  of  Physicians  aud  Sur- 
geons in  New- York,"  through  its  various  mutations  and  regula- 
tions, from  its  commencement  to  this  time,  shews  that  it  has  hith- 
erto been  conducted  under  the  immediate  guidance  of  medical 
professors  and  medical  trustees,  subject  to  a  negative  of  the  Regents. 
The  first  proposition  in  1791,  for  its  incorporation,  was  accompa- 
nied with  opposition  and  a  remonstrance,  signed  by  the  president 
and  secretary  of  the  medical  society.  Subsequently  from  that 
time,  differences  in  the  government  of  its  concerns  have  been  un- 
interrupted, and  collisions  have  been  unceasing.  At  the  last  ex- 
amination of  candidates  these  differences  arose  to  personal  alterca- 
tions between  professors  and  some  of  the  trustees,  in  the  presence 
of  the  students.  Their  continuance  is  injuriously  indicated  to  the 
public,  by  two  conflicting  notices  for  the  commencement  of  the 


i 


29 

lectures  this  last  term.  The  one  from  the  professors,  the  other 
from  the  trustees.  It  is,  however,  with  feelings  of  conscious  sa- 
tisfaction, your  committee  are  enabled  to  state  that  these  differen- 
ces and  collisions  appear  to  have  been  confined  within  the  body  of 
the  professors  and  medical  trustees  :  and  that  they  have  in  no  in- 
stance extended  themselves  to  produce  injustice  by  partiality  or 
oppression  to  any  student  or  candidate.  In  the  mean  while,  the 
college  has  continued  to  advance  in  prosperity,  and  has  retained 
its  number  of  students,  notwithstanding  other  medical  schools  have- 
since  been  established  in  m.  ;t  of  the  other  states  ;  and  one  other  in 
this  state,  denominated"  the  Western  college  of  physicians  and  sur- 
geons," which  is  also  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  well  attended. 
To  have  sustained  itself  against  such  competition,  is  proof  of  its  in- 
creasing strength  ;  and  which  is  yet  more  certainly  demonstrated 
by  a  reference  to  its  students,  which  have  been  collected  not  onlv 
from  this  state,  but  from  most  of  the  other  slates,  the  Canadas,  and 
even  the  West  India  islands.  The  fame  of  the  college  as  a  medi- 
cal school,  combining  very  many  advantages  for  improvement  in 
that  department  in  science,  has  become  widely  extended,  and  from 
its  importance,  general  utility,  and  admitted  facilities  in  education, 
it  seems  to  have  attained  an  high  degree  of  eminence. 

Perhaps  it  will  not  be  matter  of  surprise,  that  disagreements 
have  arisen  in  the  management  of  this  college,  between  the  profes  • 
sors,  and  the  trustees,  and  medical  societies,  when  it  shall  be  re- 
collected those  bodies  are  composed  of  practising  physicians,  and 
candidates  for  the  same  patronage  ;  and  that  most,  or  all  of  the 
trustees,  are  also  members,  and  many  of  them  officers  of  the  me- 
dical societies.  The  advantages  incident  to  a  professorship,  may 
furnish  causes  of  excitement.  The  duties  of  a  professor  do  not 
impede  or  hinder  him  from  the  ordinary  pursuits  of  his  private 
practice.  Probably  it  is  even  increased  in  the  particular  depart- 
ment, by  his  place  of  a  lecturer.  Upwards  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  intelligent  young  gentlemen,  annually  brought  about  him  in 
habits  of  intimate  friendship,  in  the  attendance  upon  the  lectures, 
carry  home  with  them  the  kindest  feelings  of  respect,  and  more 
widely  spread,  in  their  respective  places  of  residence,  the  fame 
of  their  professors.  The  pecuniary  advantages  are  worthy  of 
consideration.  The  fee  of  fifteen  dollars,  paid  by  each  attendant 
upon  the  lectures,   forms  no   inconsiderable  sum  ;  and  to  which 


30 

may  be  added,  a  further  amount  for  the  fee  of  thirty-five  dollar;:, 
claimed  by  the  professors  from  each  "  winter  student,"  who  en- 
ters into  his  office. 

The  acquisition  of  such  profit  and  fame,  is  the  just  reward  of 
distinguished  reputation,  and  high  attainments  in  science.  To  rear 
this  college  to  its  proper  eminence,  and  to  sustain  it  in  the  fulness 
of  its  usefulness,  it  must  ever  be  in  a  condition  to  command  ta- 
lents of  such  an  order.  These  places  ought  to  be  preserved  as 
the  meed  of  high  ambition.  Such  prizes  may  be  expected  to  awa- 
ken competitors  in  talents,  in  fame,  an ",  fortune.  It  is  one  of  the 
benefits  to  be  derived  from  this  institution  to  society. 

By  an  ordinance  of  the  Regents,  passed  in  March,  1825,  the 
professors  are  required  to  account,  and  pay  to  the  funds  of  the  col- 
lege, ten  per  cent  upon  the  sums  received  by  each  one  for  their 
lectures.  Perhaps,  at  some  future  time,  it  may  be  expedient  to 
increase  this  rate  of  per  centage,  to  be  paid  over  to  the  college 
funds.  The  exigencies  of  the  funds  require  relief.  It  must,  how- 
ever, be  observed,  that  the  graduation  fees,  together  with  this  al- 
lowance of  ten  per  cent  on  the  tuition  money,  being  hereafter  to 
be  taken  from  the  professors,  make  a  very  material  deduction  from 
the  income  from  their  lectures,  and  forms  an  important  annual  ad- 
dition to  the  finances  of  the  college.  The  ability  to  redeem  its 
debts,  will  depend  on  its  future  prosperity.  The  professors 
ought  not  to  be  depressed  with  too  much  parsimony,  lest  it  might 
impair  their  efforts,  and  prove  injurious,  in  the  result,  to  the  insti- 
tution. 

After  full  consideration  upon  the  proposed  alterations  in  the  re- 
gulations of  the  college,  your  committee  do  not  believe  it  would 
be  expedient  to  make  the  professors  salary  officers. 

An  ordinance,  forbidding  professors  from  taking  "  winter  stu- 
dents," would  infringe  upon  the  rights  of  the  students  to  acquire 
information  with  whom  they  please.  The  reasons  upon  which 
this  ordinance  is  now  required  against  the  professors,  might  then  be 
urged  with  equal  force,  to  have  the  same  prohibition  extended  to 
the  trustees,  who  also  have  a  vote  upon  the  examinations.  Such 
regulations  would  abridge  the  opportunities  of  information  to  the 
students — would  proscribe,  too,  large  a  portion  of  the  medical 
talent  of  the  city  ;  and  would  bespeak  aa  unreasonable  and  im- 
proper jealousy  of  the  respectable  and  honourable  gentlemen  who 
are  professors  and  trustees.  In  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  the 
ordinance  ought  not  to  be  granted. 


31 

Whatever  difference  of  sentiment  has  been  entertained,  and 
whatever  disagreements  have  arisen  in  the  government  and  regu- 
lation of  this  college,  the  trustees  have  proceeded  only  pari  passu 
with  the  professors.  However  much  we  may  differ  from  the  pro- 
positions and  conclusions  urged  by  either,  there  is  no  sufficient 
reason  to  censure  the  fairness  of  the  motives  of  each.  If  the  Re- 
gents possess  the  power,  the  committee  are  of  opinion  it  ought 
not  to  be  exercised  to  remove  all  or  any  of  the  trustees. 

In  searching  for  remedies,  to  secure  harmony  to  this  college, 
and  to  produce  a  greater  unity  of  action  in  the  members  of  its  go- 
vernment, the  committee  are  induced  to  recommend,  that  the 
several  vacancies  now  existing,  and  which  shall  hereafter  happen 
in  the  board  of  trustees,  shall  be  rilled  by  distinguished  gentle- 
men, who  are  not  medical  men,  until  they  shall  be  equal  in  num- 
ber to  the  medical  trustees. 

A  board  thus  composed  of  the  professors,  and  of  trustees  one 
part  of  medical  men,  and  the  other  of  men  from  other  professions 
and  pursuits  in  life,  would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  pos- 
sess within  itself  an  equipoise,  and  the  means  of  harmony,  and  yet 
retain  all  the  medical  information  necessary  and  useful  for  the 
greatest  advancement  of  the  interest  of  the  college.  By  interpo- 
sing this  third  body  between  the  professors  and  medical  trustees, 
it  would  neutralize  the  ingredients  of  the  college  government,  and 
prevent  its  too  grest  tendency  to  effervesce.  An  ordinance  mak- 
ing provision  for  this  case,  is  therefore  recommended  to  be  adop- 
ted by  the  Regents. 

Connected  with  this  subject,  and  with  a  view  that  the  board  oi 
trustees  shall  be   composed  of  those  three  orders,  it  is  necessarv 

and  proper  to  retain  the  professors  as  members  of  the  board 

The  committee  therefore  recommend  the  repeal  of  the  ordinance 
of  the  Regents  in  1820,  whereby  any  professor  thereafter  to  be 
appointed  is  declared  ineligible  to  be  a  trustee.  Another  ordi- 
nance, requiring,  that  to  make  a  quorum  to  transact  business  a 
majority  present  shall  be  trustees  who  are  not  professors  is  a  suf- 
ficient guard  against  any  acts  of  the  professors.  The  board  thus- 
organized  will  be  composed  of  six  professors,  ten  medical  trustees, 
and  nine  trustees  from  other  pursuits. 

In  the  course  of  the  discussions  on  this  enquiry,  the  disinterested 
zeal  and  patriotic  feelings  which  influenced  the  trustees  so  solicit- 
ously to  promote  the  advancement  of  the  college,  were  often  ur- 
ged upon  the  consideration  of  the  committee.     It  was  insisted,  on 


32 

the  part  of  the  professors,  that  they  too  were  influenced  by  the* 
same  zeal  and  the  same  patriotic  feelings,  and  an  equal  desire  for 
the  advancement  of  the  college,  with  the  additional  stimulus  of  a 
great  personal  and  individual  interest  in  fame  and  fortune.  It  is  a 
practice  in  courts  of  equity,  allowing  equal  rectitude  to  all,  to  con- 
fide any  property  in  its  keeping,  to  those  persons  most  interested 
in  its  preservation  and  improvement.  It  is  a  rule  of  the  common 
law,  established  by  antient  jurists,  and  handed  down  as  the  deter- 
mination of  wisdom,  adopted  from  experience  in  human  concerns, 
that  the  guardianship  and  possession  of  an  infant  shall  never  be  com- 
mitted to  the  persons  next  entitled  to  the  inheritance,  in  case  of 
the  infant's  decease. 

THE  EXAMINATION  OF  STUDENTS. 

The  charter  of  the  college  provides,  that  the  examination  of 
randidates  shall  be  by  the  professors,  in  the  presence  of  the  trus- 
tees, who  are  to  receive  due  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  the  ex- 
amination, and  may  attend.  Professors  and  trustees  all  vote  on  the 
fitness  and  recommendation  of  the  candidates,  to  the  Regents  for  a  de- 
gree, and  a  majority  of  voices  determines  the  result.  All  agree  that 
the  practice  and  the  regulations  on  this  subject  are  of  importance  to 
the  student,  and  of  deep  interest  to  the  advancement  and  the  hon- 
our of  the  college.  The  possibility  that  any  student  should  be 
either  unduly  favored  or  oppressed  in  the  course  of  his  studies  or 
at  his  examination,  must  not  be  admitted.  And  the  committee  be- 
lieve it  has  hitherto  occurred  in  no  instance.  Examinations  which 
become  too  lax,  will  favour  the  indolent  student,  and  send  out  the 
ignorant  candidate  with  the  honors  of  the  college,  and  bring  discre- 
dit on  the  institution.  If  too  rigid  and  unreasonably  severe,  they 
become  oppressive,  and  will  drive  away  the  pupils,  and  chill  and 
even  nip  the  growth  of  the  college  with  an  untimely  frost. 

Should  that  section  of  the  present  charter,  relating  to  the  exam- 
ination of  candidates,  be  so  amended  as  to  suspend  the  right  of  the 
recommendation  of  candidates  on  the  vote  of  the  professors  and 
trustees,  and  further  provision  be  made,  that  the  examination 
should  be  by  the  professors  in  the  presence  of  the  trustees,  and 
under  the  direction  of  a  "  board  of  visitors,"1  and  who  alone  should 
recommend  the  candidates  to  the  Regents,  as  found  worthy  and 
meriting  the  honors  of  the  college  ;  it  would  put  at  rest  all  possi- 
bility of  unfairnp=s  in  the  examination?,  or  of  favouritism  or  oppres- 


33 

sion.  A  board  of  visitors  of  not  less  than  five  persons,  distinguish- 
ed for  medical  science  or  literature,  might  he  annually  appointed 
by  the  Regents  a  short  time  before  the  close  of  the  lectures,  to  at- 
tend the  examination.  They  would  be  entirely  impartial.  They 
would  cherish  the  worthy  candidate,  and  yet  sufficiently  guard  the 
reputation  of  the  college. 

'Such  a  board  for  examiners  might  be  selected  from  the  Re- 
gents, from  the  trustees,  or  from  other  persons  in  the  city  or 
state,  respectable  for  their  learning.  A  professor  from  the  "  West- 
ern college  of  physicians  and  surgeons,"  or  even  any  distinguished 
professor  from  the  universities  of  Philadelphia,  Boston,  Baltimore 
or  New-Haven,  might  be  requested  Ijy  the  Regents  to  associate  as 
a  member  of  such  a  board  of  visitors.  It  will  be  observed,  that 
these  suggestions  are  intended  to  assimulate  with  the  regulations 
adopted  for  the  examination  of  cadets  at  the  West  Point  academy. 
These  principles  have  proved  in  practice  most  auspicious  to  the 
harmony  and  reputation  of  that  distinguished  seminary. 

An  examination  and  recommendation  of  candidates  by  such  a 
board  of  examiners,  would  carry  forward  its  own  credit.  It  would 
raise  the  qualifications  of  a  degree.  Above  suspicion  for  its  intel- 
ligence and  impartiality,  it  would  redound  to  the  honor  of  the  stu- 
dent, stimulate  professors  to  exertions,  and  greatly  add  to  the  ce- 
lebrity of  the  college.  From  the  observations  which  your  com- 
mittee were  enabled  to  make,  of  the  proficiency  and  acquirements 
in  science  of  the  professors  and  trustee's  of  this  college,  they  con- 
fidently believe  it  can  come  with  its  class  of  candidates,  from  the 
scrutiny  of  such  a  board  of  examiners,  and  stand  holding  its  place 
with  renewed  lustre  in  the  ranks  of  science. 

It  is  therefore  recommended  that  an  ordinance  be  adopted  by 
the  Regents,  carrying  into  effect  these  provisions,  in  regard  to  the 
examination  of  students. 

Should  the  Regents  approve  of  these  recommendations,  and 
any  doubts  be  entertained  as  to  the  power  of  the  Regents  to  amend 
the  charter  of  the  college,  so  as  to  carry  the  suggestions  into  full 
effect,  the  committee  believe  the  evident  utility  and  necessity  of 
new  regulations  on  this  subject,  would  induce  the  professors  and 
trustees,  upon  application  from  the  Regents,  to  give  their  corpo- 
rate assent  to  the  alterations.  Legislative  interposition  may  oth- 
erwise become  necessary.  But  the  provisions  recommended  in 
regard  to  the  filling  of  vacancies  in  the  board  of  trustees,  from  per. 
sons  not  concerned  in  medicine,  till  they  constitute  the  one  half  of 

5 


34 

the  number,  will  however  carry  into  effect  and  accomplish  the 
principal  means  desired  to  secure  harmony  in  the  institution. 

From  the  preceding  remarks,  it  will  be  apparent  that  the  opin- 
ion of  this  committee  is  decidedly  against  granting  the  prayer  of 
the  trustees  in  their  memorial  of  the  6th  of  January,  1 825,  in  which 
the  trustees  ask  the  Regents"  to  vest  them  with  the  power  of  regula- 
ting all  the  affairs  of  the  college,  and  to  delegate  to  the  trustees  the 
power  of  making  their  own  by-laws  and  regulations.  In  the  opin- 
ion of  this  committee,  a  surrender  of  these  important  powers  and 
authority  by  the  Regents  would  be  inconsistent  with  the  high  du- 
ties which  they  owe  to  the  people  of  this  state,  and  would,  under 
existing  circumstances,  be  altogether  inexpedient  for  the  interest 
of  the  college. 

Before  closing  this  report,  the  committee  take  the  liberty  to 
suggest  for  the  consideration  of  the  Regents,  one  other  subject, 
which  has  occurred  to  them  in  the  course  of  their  inquiries. — ■ 
They  are  aware  that  the  subject  is  not  directly  included  in  the  vi- 
sitorial  powers  confided  to  them.  But  its  importance  induces 
them  to  present  it  for  consideration. 

It  is  proposed  to  extend  and  apply  the  medical  schools,  and  per- 
haps the  colleges,  to  the  teaching  of  Agriculture,  Mechanics,  and 
the  Useful  Arts,  as  collateral  branches,  and  to  separate  classes. 

Notwithstanding  the  liberal  endowments  made  by  this  state,  in 
the  support  of  its  various  literary  institutions,  yet  great  deficien- 
cies exist,  in  supplying  the  requirements  of  society,  and  in  the 
adaption  of  the  ^sciences  to  actual  practice  in  the  pursuits  of 
common  life.  The  rapid  growth  of  this  state  ;  its  multiplied  re- 
sources ;  and  the  industry  and  enterprise  of  its  citizens,  make 
large  demands  upon  the  sciences,  to  aid  and  co-operate  in  advan- 
cing the  general  prosperity.  It  is  not  sufficient  that  the  sciences 
connected  with  agriculture  and  the  mechanic  arts,  are  diligently 
studied  and  correctly  understood  by  a  few  votaries  in  ©ur  literary" 
institutions.  It  seems  very  necessary  that  those  sciences  essen- 
tial to  the  prosperity  of  manufacturing  industry,  should  be  espe- 
cially promoted,  and  adapted  to  the  comprehension  of  a  meritori- 
ous class  of  citizens,  whose  situation  and  circumstances,  while 
they  deny  them  the  opportunities  of  an  academic  life,  devote 
them  more  sedulously  to  mechanic  pursuits,  and  perhaps  as  cer- 
tainly prepare  them  to  advance  the  public  good.  If  this  class  of 
sciences  was  exhibited  to  the  manufacturer  and  practical  mechanic 
in  a  course  of  lectures,  it  would  not  fail  to  produce  improvements, 


35 

and  confer  lasting  benefits  on  the  country.  Courses  of  popular 
lectures  for  a  few  weeks  in  every  year,  upon  Agriculture,  Chemis 
try  and  Mechanics,  with  illustrations,  and  the  exhibition  of  expe- 
riments, models  and  specimens,  would  secure  an  advantageous 
union  in  the  efforts  of  theoretical  and  practical  men  ;  would 
awaken  the  mental  energies  of  the  agriculturist  and  the  artisan, 
and  soon  produce  a  new  era  in  the  mechanic  arts. 

The  advantages  which  may  be  anticipated  from  the  proposed 
more  intimate  union  of  the  efforts  of  scientific  and  of  practical 
men,  will  be  sufficiently  illustrated  by  reference  to  a  recent  and 
familiar  case.     The  hats  hitherto  in  use,  have  been  manufactured 
and  stiffened  with  glues,  which  were  dissoluble  in  water.     Within 
the  last  five  or  six  years,  "  water  proof'  hats,  warranted  to  be  im- 
pervious to  water,  have  come  into  general  use.     The  art  of  mak- 
ing of  them  has  been  blazoned  forth  as  a  new  invention,  and  has 
been  even  the  subject  of  "patent  rights."     The  important  disco- 
very consists  in  the  use  of  "  Shell  Lac,"  as  the  stiffening  glue.     It 
is  a  gum  imported,  and  found  in  all   druggist  stores.     It  is  of- 
ten used  in  medicine,  and  a  peculiar  property  of  which  has  long 
been  known  to  the  chemist,  to  consist  in  its  being  indissoluble  in 
water,  while  it  readily  dissolves  in  alkohol,  and  becomes  a  conve- 
nient glue,  impervious  to  water.     The  discovery  and  recent  in- 
vention, therefore,  consist  jn  the  working  mechanic  having  acqui- 
red and  adopted  into  his  daily  business,  the  information  on  this  one 
point,  which  has  been  possessed  and  used  for  the  last  century  by 
every  chemist,  druggist,  and  compounder  of  medicines. 

Perhaps,  Avithin  another  century,  or,  if  assisted,  within  another 
year,  the  worker  in  leather  may  acquire  a  like  secret,  and  by  satu- 
rating his  materials  with  some  such  ingredient,  effectually  pro- 
tect our  feet  from  moisture.  Water  proof  cloth  has  long  been 
also  a  disideratum  for  mankind.  It  is  said,  it  has  been  recently 
manufactured  in  Great  Britain  with  the  use  of  the  common  "  India 
Rubber.".  The  manufacturer  has  hitherto  been  unable  to  make  a 
solution  of  this  substance,  while  the  chemist  has  long  known  its 
solubility,  by  the  application  of  bituminous  oils,  like  the  "Seneca 
Oil,"  of  which  this  country  affords  an  abundance. 

The  indigent  mechanic  must  rely  upon  his  daily  labour  for  his 
subsistence.  He  can  not  waste  his  time,  or  incur  expense,  to  go 
in  pursuit  of  the  sciences,  even  as  applied  to  his  own  occupation. — 
Any  separate  establishment,  requiring  him  to  leave  his  employment 
or  the  apprentice  to  forego  his  labor,  would  thereby  be  inaccessi- 


36 

ble  to  them.     To  be.  of  utility,  it  must  be  fitted  to  their  opportuni- 
ties and  their  means.     It  must  be  applied  to  their  condition. 

The  school  should  be  organized  with  a  view  to  convenience 
and  economy,  in  time  and  expense,  and  with  the  expectation  that 
the  manufacturer,  the  mechanic,  the  journeyman,  apprentice  and 
labourer,  will  become  the  pupils,  and  there  learn  the  principles 
upon  which  successful  practice  in  their  several  occupations  de- 
pend, and  acquire  additional  skill  in  their  respective  employments. 
Some  public  provision,  by  which  these  advantages  may  be  extend- 
ed to  this  portion  of  our  community,  seems  to  be  required,  as  a 
measure  of  policy,  and  as  an  act  of  equal  justice.  It  is  believed 
it  may  easily  be  accomplished,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Regents, 
and  by  an  authority  to  hold  such  a  course  of  lectures.  Scientific 
gentlemen  would  undertake  the  duties  ;  or  the  professors  of  chem- 
istry and  of  natural  philosophy,  in  the  institutions  already  estab- 
lished, might  derive  fame  and  profit,  and  find  employment  for  their 
leisure  time,  in  this  further  duty.  It  would  be  consonant  with 
their  present  pursuits.  The  institutions  now  provided  for  medical 
or  literary  purposes,  might  thus  be  made  more  extensively  focal 
points,  from  which  to  radiate  the  public  mind.  They  would  bet- 
ter accord  with  the  situation  and  condition  of  our  country.  The 
plan  of  education  in  our  colleges  was  derived  from  Europe,  where 
it  was  established  by  the  Romish  priesthood ;  and  it  has  been 
adopted  here,  and  since  continued  with  too  great  a  subseiviency 
to  precedent.  Perhaps  at  some  future  time  it  may  be  deemed  ex- 
pedient to  re-examine  the  system  of  education  now  in  practice,  and 
to  adopt  such  improvements  as  may  more  immediately  conform  it 
to  the  pursuits  of  our  citizeus,  and  the  spirit  of  our  government : 
at  least,  to  provide  a  plan  of  education  in  some  of  the  colleges,  a 
part  of  which  shall  be  more  suited  foi  our  intercourse  with  other 
nations,  and  more  adapted  to  the  energies  and  the  enterprise  of 
our  people.  To  encourage  the  arts,  as  applied  to  manufacturing 
industry,  by  a  more  direct  application  of  the  sciences  upon  the 
plan  now  proposed,  will  be  an  extension,  and  a  new  application,  of 
the  benevolent  and  important  system  of  common  schools.  It  may 
be  presumed  that  the  judicious  master  would  not  only  permit,  but 
encourage  "  his  apprentices  to  frequent  lectures  within  their 
reach,  sure  that  the  little  time  so  lost  to  his  trade,  would  be  amply 
repaid,  by  the  increased  diligence,  sobriety  and  knowledge,  thereby 
purchased." 


37 

The  moral  effect  justly  to  be  anticipated  upon  the  youth  and 
middle  classes  of  society,  should  also  induce  to  the  proposed  ob- 
ject. It  will  diffuse  intelligence  amongst  a  portion  of  society, 
whose  condition  has  been  hitherto  almost  inaccessible  to  improve- 
ment ;  and  remove  that  state  of  ignorance  and  depression  usually 
incident  to,  and  often  urged  against,  mechanic  pursuits  and  manu- 
facturing establishments. 

The  laboratory,  apparatus,  models  and  specimens  now  used  by 
professors,  might,  without  prejudice,  be  allotted  to  this  further 
purpose. 

If  an  augmentation  of  the  cabinet  of  models  and  specimens 
should  be  required,  the  importance  of  the  object  would  justify  the 
hope  of  further  bounty  from  the  legislature. 

The  able  professor  of  Moral  Philosophy  in  Columbia  College, 
(Mr.  McVickar)  with  great  benefit  to  the  institution,  and  increased 
reputation  to  himself,  has  recently  made  "  Political  Economy" 
the  subject  of  a  course  of  lectures.  The  professor  of  Natural 
Philosophy  in  the  same  college,  (Mr.  Renwick)  ;  the  professor  of 
Chemistry  (Dr.  Macneven)  in  the  college  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons in  New-York  ;  and  the  professor  of  Chemistry  (Mr.  J. 
Nott)  in  Union  College,  upon  suggestions  from  your  committee, 
have  assented  to  undertake,  with  the  permission  of  the  institutions 
to  which  they  belong,  courses  of  lectures  for  the  instruction  of 
mechanics,  under  the  authority  and  sanction  of  the  Regents.  The 
colleges  at  New-York,  Schenectady,  Fairfield,  Hamilton,  and  Ge- 
neva ;  and  perhaps  the  academies  at  Albany,  and  the  principal 
villages,  furnish  convenient  opportunities  to  make  the  experiment 
of  teaching  such  branches  of  education,  as  collateral  to  the  profes- 
sorships and  the  original  objects  of  those  institutions. 

The  utility  of  the  scheme  would  soon  be  ascertained,  and  the 
expediency  determined,  of  hereafter  conferring  degrees  {or  profi- 
ciency in  agriculture  and  the  useful  arts.  All  which  is  respectfully 
submitted. 

By  order  of  the  Committee. 

JAMES  TALLMADGE, 

Chairman. 

October  15th,  1825. 


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